Hey all,

so, let me start by stating electrical and I are not good friends. I don't pretend to understand 90% of it. With that said, recently I had a very hard start on the 72 Olds Cutlass Supreme after a few cool days here in New England, and, simultaneously very little gas in the tank (my bad) — I think the issue here may be a blown capacitor (if that is such a thing).

After the hard start, radio did not sound too well — as if it was not quite tuned-in to the radio station — static, hissing, pulsing, "blip, blip, blip" interference, etc.

Any thoughts? I know there is more than one capacitor — if any agree that might be the culprit. Is there a way to check these to see if they are in fact, blown (again, if that is such a thing).

Any other likely culprits? I checked all wires, ground, etc. All are intact

thanks!

 

Yes, radios do have capacitors, all throughout the circuitry. There is really no way to know the problem without troubleshooting the radio. I suggest you take it to your local car radio repair shop.

 

What kind of radio do you have?

 

KHE-300-USB
Features

• 
  
• KHE 300 with 200 Watts
  
• Clock
  
• Manual Tuning
  
• Preset Scan & Auto Store
  
• 4 Way Fader, Separate Bass and Treble
  
• Auto Antenna Lead
  
• LCD with Green Back Lighting
  
• AM-FM with 4 AM - 12 FM Presets
  
• RCA Preout
  
• Black or Chrome Nose Piece
  

70-72 Cutlass

 

From the Owners Manual for your radio:

Please call K.C Harrison INC and request a technician if a problem occurs. We will gladly troubleshoot/advise step by step as needed.

Vintage Car Audio, Inc.
Phone (800) 497-5294

I would call them instead of asking folks on the internet.

 

good idea Fun71.

 

If the noise does not increase with RPM's it is not a capacitor on the car problem. I would double check the antenna connector and mount. My other thought is did you inadvertently switch your radio to AM?

 

Blip blip blip usually means bad plug wire/ wires.

 

Like Eric said ignition interference would change with the RPM of the engine. Is the interference there when you have the key in the RUN position with the engine off?

 

Check the inside of your distributor cap. Moisture in the atmosphere and high voltage electricity jumping an air gap will carbonize the contact posts in the cap and on the rotor tip. I have rescued more than a few old cars that have just had the engine washed or splashed through a large puddle. Too much carbon buildup on the contact posts will cause hard starting and ignition static to increase in a stereo. Clean or replace the distributor cap and make sure the antenna base is tight. A poor ground on the antenna will allow static to infiltrate the audio of your sound system.